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The In-Between: A Paranormal Gay Erotic Romance
Nineteen-year-old Evan Marsh has always been stuck. While his friends left for college, he stayed behind—wasting days in his room, numbing himself with games, TV, and weed. His parents argue about him constantly. His golden-boy brother outshines him without trying. And Evan… just drifts.
When his father finally pushes him too hard, Evan takes the a new job, a fragile chance to prove he isn’t the family disappointment. For the first time, it feels like things might change.
But fate has other plans.
A freak accident ends Evan’s life before it can begin, hurling him into an afterlife he never believed in—one where the dead walk among the living, tasked with guiding souls to what comes next.
Now, Evan must learn the rules of being a reaper under the watchful eye of a sharp-tongued mentor and alongside Zack, the fellow reaper he can’t seem to stop noticing. Between unfinished family business, the grief he left behind, and the impossible pull of desire, Evan is forced to ask himself the one question he’s been avoiding all
What does it mean to really live… when you’re already dead?
When his father finally pushes him too hard, Evan takes the a new job, a fragile chance to prove he isn’t the family disappointment. For the first time, it feels like things might change.
But fate has other plans.
A freak accident ends Evan’s life before it can begin, hurling him into an afterlife he never believed in—one where the dead walk among the living, tasked with guiding souls to what comes next.
Now, Evan must learn the rules of being a reaper under the watchful eye of a sharp-tongued mentor and alongside Zack, the fellow reaper he can’t seem to stop noticing. Between unfinished family business, the grief he left behind, and the impossible pull of desire, Evan is forced to ask himself the one question he’s been avoiding all
What does it mean to really live… when you’re already dead?
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Harry Applebottom
72 books48 followersHarry Applebottom is a hopeful romantic and a gay erotic romance author here to unabashedly satiate and titillate your inner carnal desires with lots of steam, heart, and love. Harry's works range from short stories and novellas to full-length novels of various subgenres, where every ending ends with a happy one.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 8, 2025
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this isn’t my preferred genre, but I read this author because Harry Applebottom is a master storyteller. The first book I read by him was an accidental read, this one, was totally on purpose, because as soon as I saw the ARC opportunity from this amazing author, I snatched it up immediately! And I leave my voluntary review of this amazing book. I don’t know how Mr. Applebottom can make you fall in love with his characters in such a short time. You know, from the beginning, that Evan is going to die, but how can you feel so bad for him, and Dennis, and his parents when he’s alive for about 20 pages? Seriously! I felt so horrible for Michael and their last words! And then the kid… he’s there for a few paragraphs, and I cried. And Kathleen! Man, she’s the best boss ever! And Allen is so lovely, and I want Zach and Evan to be together till death, and then I realize they’re dead, and I knew that from the beginning, but the author made me forget, because he brought them to life in a few short sentences! My goodness, seriously, this is a beautiful story, so much wrapped in a novella less than 80 pages long. It seriously packs an emotional punch, so worth the read!!!!!!!! Beautiful, I recommend it.
September 21, 2025
The one thing I love about Harry Applebottom stories is their originality. The In-between Part One is no exception. The idea of someone dying and being caught between this life and the next has been done before, but Harry's approach works particularly well. When Evan dies in a freak accident before he can start his new job, he meets Zack, who is to guide him through the transition from life to death. There is a connection between the pair that transcends their roles as a guide and their charge, and even the dead can find something special in the afterlife. I can highly recommend 'The In-between Part One, though be warned, you'll need to buy part two to find out what eventually happens between Evan and Zack.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
Ok the story its self was good and interesting and I really liked the view into the next part of life. But this book IS NOT EROTIC! By putting that in the title it’s false advertising. There is one small scene and it’s almost at the very end of the book.
September 8, 2025
Now this is a paranormal erotic romance I can get behind. For a novella of only a little over 100 pages this book broke me and made me feel all the emotions. This book may be fiction but it makes you take stock of your life for a minute as your reading Evan's story and his road to figure life after death and leaving behind grief and unfinished family business that he'll never be able to soothe. My heart went out to Evan. He's only 19 and he's hiding who he is and also trying to find who he is at the same time. He's drfting and numbing himself with games and weed and watching porn. He also has a strained relationship with his dad. He doesn't feel seen or known and his dad loves him but doesn't know any way to be other than a little hard and to push him. And he did until Evan got a Job and things shockingly started to slowly look up. Not perfect but better. Until a freak accident took his life and everything he'd ever known was altered and he's thrown into becoming a reaper and being in charge of being with people when they were about to inevitably die and help them cross over. In the midst of all the pain and things he'll never get to say to his family he meets Zach, a fellow reaper tasked with mentoring him, whose more what he shows and Evan can't help but feel drawn to him and it seems Zach feels the same. Through the sorrow Zach is there for the most crucial times after Evan's death and his introduction into his new life. They're fiery hot together but I also loved the banter and the potential for so much more between them the longer they spend together. This book took me on a rollarcoaster of emotions and for a short book I cried a good bit I'm not ashamed to admit. Harry Applebottom's books get better and better and I'm on pins and needles to see what they plan to put out next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2025
Crossing from Life to Death . . .
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, so when comparing someone with others, more often than not they are both unique. And the way each grows and matures is at their own pace and following their own interests. At 19, Evan Marsh seems “stuck” in the same old rut, making little progress into growing up and living the life he has mapped out for himself. Friends went off to college, knowing or fairly sure of what they wanted to do with their lives. But Even was sort of stuck in one place, doing the same routine over and over of hanging out in his room, watching TV, gaming, and getting high. Parents usually see this as wasting his life and going nowhere and tensions may rise. So he gives it a try, he’s ready and won’t disappoint them… until he loses his life in an accident. His main task now as one of the dead, a reaper, is to guide souls into their future. In being guided in this new job, will Evan learn about life, where he went wrong, what could have been? Can he guide others when he was so unsure about himself? Can he go back and talk to his family members about anything that was unresolved before his death? Can Zack help him understand his new rules and why they are important? Or is this something he will have to figure out by himself?
Be prepared for an emotional journey, as this author excels at making us feel the character’s struggles and triumphs.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, so when comparing someone with others, more often than not they are both unique. And the way each grows and matures is at their own pace and following their own interests. At 19, Evan Marsh seems “stuck” in the same old rut, making little progress into growing up and living the life he has mapped out for himself. Friends went off to college, knowing or fairly sure of what they wanted to do with their lives. But Even was sort of stuck in one place, doing the same routine over and over of hanging out in his room, watching TV, gaming, and getting high. Parents usually see this as wasting his life and going nowhere and tensions may rise. So he gives it a try, he’s ready and won’t disappoint them… until he loses his life in an accident. His main task now as one of the dead, a reaper, is to guide souls into their future. In being guided in this new job, will Evan learn about life, where he went wrong, what could have been? Can he guide others when he was so unsure about himself? Can he go back and talk to his family members about anything that was unresolved before his death? Can Zack help him understand his new rules and why they are important? Or is this something he will have to figure out by himself?
Be prepared for an emotional journey, as this author excels at making us feel the character’s struggles and triumphs.
September 13, 2025
Now this one was interesting. Normally, I go into books after having read the synopsis, but this time... I didn't. So I didn't know what to expect. I'm actually kind of glad I didn't.
Evan is your typical teenage guy. He stays up late to game and is an occasional disappointment to his father. So under an ultimatum, he applies for jobs. And he gets one at a place called PTI Manufacturing. On his first day of the job, he is unalived by a piece of machinery. He witnesses his demise in slow motion and his soul is saved by a reaper named Allen. Instead of going to the heareafter, he's informed that he, too, is going to become a reaper and he takes Allen's place.
Evan goes through a lot of emotions because like any regular person would, he feels guilty for leaving his family. And there are rules to being a reaper and one of them is that just because he lives among the "living" he can't put himself back in his old life. And he meets Zack, another reaper who helps him through it.
This is a really bittersweet story. I felt so much for Evan. He just wanted to make his father proud. But his time in his old life was cut short before he get that figured out. I really enjoyed this one (as I do all of them) and I really recommend this is you're after something short, but meaningful.
Definitely recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evan is your typical teenage guy. He stays up late to game and is an occasional disappointment to his father. So under an ultimatum, he applies for jobs. And he gets one at a place called PTI Manufacturing. On his first day of the job, he is unalived by a piece of machinery. He witnesses his demise in slow motion and his soul is saved by a reaper named Allen. Instead of going to the heareafter, he's informed that he, too, is going to become a reaper and he takes Allen's place.
Evan goes through a lot of emotions because like any regular person would, he feels guilty for leaving his family. And there are rules to being a reaper and one of them is that just because he lives among the "living" he can't put himself back in his old life. And he meets Zack, another reaper who helps him through it.
This is a really bittersweet story. I felt so much for Evan. He just wanted to make his father proud. But his time in his old life was cut short before he get that figured out. I really enjoyed this one (as I do all of them) and I really recommend this is you're after something short, but meaningful.
Definitely recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2025
This book was a bit of a departure from his usual books. He spends a lot of time on character development, especially for Evan. Evan is a 19 year man who is merely existing. His friends are at college or working so he is essentially living with his parents and playing video games. Dad has finally had enough and get a job or get out of his house.
When he finally finds one at PTI Manufacturing, a company that produces six toys, although the author is coy about confirming that. On his first day at work one of the machines malfunctions killing Evan. He is met by Allen, the maintained man who explains that he's dead and takes him to Kathleen. She is the boss of the reapers, who assigns their cases.
The world building is incredibly and the pace letting us see through Evan's eyes as he comes to accept his new life. Allen is by his side helping him adapt. First a friendship that grows to love. It really not until the last 25% of the book that they become physical. This author can bring the heat 🥵 🔥. Showing how Evan has to learn a life with Allen by his side is the perfect setting for this slow growth romance.
Strong recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When he finally finds one at PTI Manufacturing, a company that produces six toys, although the author is coy about confirming that. On his first day at work one of the machines malfunctions killing Evan. He is met by Allen, the maintained man who explains that he's dead and takes him to Kathleen. She is the boss of the reapers, who assigns their cases.
The world building is incredibly and the pace letting us see through Evan's eyes as he comes to accept his new life. Allen is by his side helping him adapt. First a friendship that grows to love. It really not until the last 25% of the book that they become physical. This author can bring the heat 🥵 🔥. Showing how Evan has to learn a life with Allen by his side is the perfect setting for this slow growth romance.
Strong recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2025
Oh the afterlife
Evan has been hiding something from his family the fact that he is gay. One morning his dad comes into his room and it’s the final straw. It’s filthy it smells and he has given an ultimatum clean it up. Get a job or get out. It starts a fight between his mum and dad like usual, Evan then bucks up and cleans his room and starts looking for jobs. He has a difficult relationship with his dad. I think it’s fair to say. But when he gets a job interview, his dad is proud and he drops him off. Evan gets the job and the next morning he wakes up to his mum and dad, brother and sister-in-law having breakfast and as he walks in, he finally finds the courage to tell them that he’s gay. Let me just say it doesn’t go well.
Fate is not kind to Evan as on his first day there is an incident at work, and this finds Evan in a new world of the afterlife.
I found this book to be quite sad. I think my heart broke with the dynamics of the family. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad he found somebody but for me, it just left me sad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evan has been hiding something from his family the fact that he is gay. One morning his dad comes into his room and it’s the final straw. It’s filthy it smells and he has given an ultimatum clean it up. Get a job or get out. It starts a fight between his mum and dad like usual, Evan then bucks up and cleans his room and starts looking for jobs. He has a difficult relationship with his dad. I think it’s fair to say. But when he gets a job interview, his dad is proud and he drops him off. Evan gets the job and the next morning he wakes up to his mum and dad, brother and sister-in-law having breakfast and as he walks in, he finally finds the courage to tell them that he’s gay. Let me just say it doesn’t go well.
Fate is not kind to Evan as on his first day there is an incident at work, and this finds Evan in a new world of the afterlife.
I found this book to be quite sad. I think my heart broke with the dynamics of the family. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad he found somebody but for me, it just left me sad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
This is not quite the Harry Applebottom book I am used to. They are usually pretty straightforward, but I’m still wrapping my head around this one, Evan and the afterlife and the life of a reaper (of souls, I guess.). There was a part with the shadows that reminded me of the movie Ghost with Patrick Swayze — it was just as creepy on-page as on-screen, even though I’m not sure it was the same type of thing. I’m also wrapping my head about this parallel life that seems so real and normal (except the reaping souls part) and a developing—something —with Zack. Can’t figure out how a HEA is in the cards for the couple since both will apparently have different numbers before moving on to??? And what about Evan and his family, can/does/should he try to see them again? So many questions in my mind to be hopefully answered in part 2.
If you like creepy ( in my mind) paranormal, and you’re a fan of Harry’s writing, I think you’ll like this one, too, especially if you have fewer questions by this point. Definitely different and engaging, held my interest, and ready for more.
I received an advance review copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
If you like creepy ( in my mind) paranormal, and you’re a fan of Harry’s writing, I think you’ll like this one, too, especially if you have fewer questions by this point. Definitely different and engaging, held my interest, and ready for more.
I received an advance review copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
September 11, 2025
THE AFTERLIFE OR REAL LIFE?💕💀
My oh my- Harry Applebottom does it again!
He has become a one click reviewer author for me!
I just love his writing style and how he brings his characters to life in a short span but with so much emotion and depth!
You feel sorry for Evan as he nears his death day and what happens prior between him and his father that is left unresolved…
Then the afterlife takes place and he meets Zack- a broody sexy reaper that has to mentor him and house him and this is where they get to know each other on a much deeper level…
They live their lives like they did prior to their deaths- walks among the living in disguise ,eats ,have jobs, watch tv, play games,has mind blowing raw sex with no fear of STD’s and lots of banter but the only thing they cannot do is talk to their families… so you as reader forgets that they are actually dead and reapers and not real!
I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My oh my- Harry Applebottom does it again!
He has become a one click reviewer author for me!
I just love his writing style and how he brings his characters to life in a short span but with so much emotion and depth!
You feel sorry for Evan as he nears his death day and what happens prior between him and his father that is left unresolved…
Then the afterlife takes place and he meets Zack- a broody sexy reaper that has to mentor him and house him and this is where they get to know each other on a much deeper level…
They live their lives like they did prior to their deaths- walks among the living in disguise ,eats ,have jobs, watch tv, play games,has mind blowing raw sex with no fear of STD’s and lots of banter but the only thing they cannot do is talk to their families… so you as reader forgets that they are actually dead and reapers and not real!
I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
This is the fifth Harry Applebottom story I’ve read, and I can safely say I’m a fan. Once again, he pulled me in with a compelling storyline that had me hooked from start to finish—and even had me in tears at times. I really enjoyed it.
Evan’s sudden, life-changing accident and everything that followed kept me completely absorbed. The balance between romance, plot, and character development was spot on.
If you’re looking for a well-written, fast-paced, emotionally charged story with a touch of spice, this one delivers. It brings two souls together in an intense journey of honesty, passion, and heat—leaving the door open to the possibility of a future together. A thoroughly satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evan’s sudden, life-changing accident and everything that followed kept me completely absorbed. The balance between romance, plot, and character development was spot on.
If you’re looking for a well-written, fast-paced, emotionally charged story with a touch of spice, this one delivers. It brings two souls together in an intense journey of honesty, passion, and heat—leaving the door open to the possibility of a future together. A thoroughly satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2025
The idea of the in between being so intertwined with life is an interesting foundation for a book. Evan is young and lost and had just come out to his family when he suddenly dies. Where he’s greeted with a set of rules and his assignment for the future. In his new reality he meets Zack. Zack and Evan hit it off and it’s the start of something. I really enjoyed this read. The characters are great, raw and real. I love how Harry Applebottom always brings out so many emotions when you connect with his characters and story line. This is a must read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
Evan isn’t exactly a loser. He just doesn’t have much ambition. When a job basically falls in his lap it gets his dad off his back and his family seems proud of him. He starts a new day hopeful and ends it as a Reaper. Zack helps him integrate into his new “life”. It can actually become a pretty mundane existence.
First book in a series. The reaper part was explained but the book was short so not much reaping. For as short as it was there was a decent world building going on on.
Evan was almost a boring character who improved after death. Evan and Zack begin a relationship. It seems like things improve after you die?
Cute story but reminiscent of the Dead Like Me TV show.
First book in a series. The reaper part was explained but the book was short so not much reaping. For as short as it was there was a decent world building going on on.
Evan was almost a boring character who improved after death. Evan and Zack begin a relationship. It seems like things improve after you die?
Cute story but reminiscent of the Dead Like Me TV show.
September 20, 2025
I loved this book. I was fascinated by the concept and hooked from the start. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Evan and Zack. But Evan... omg did this book make me cry! Even knowing Evan would die before I even started reading. How I got so emotionally invested in him so quickly. But by the story premise and "golden-child brother," I expected something different of his family. They weren't as I pictured. My heart broke for all of them. I'm so happy Evan's story continues in a sequel because I want more of him, Zack and the wonderful supporting characters. 5 stars
September 28, 2025
The In-Between by Harry Applebottom is equal parts tender, sexy, and heartbreaking. Evan’s journey from lost, drifting kid to reluctant reaper pulled me in right away, and the afterlife setting felt both fresh and intimate. The romance with Zack adds a delicious spark, balancing the darker themes of death and regret with heat and hope. A haunting, erotic, and surprisingly uplifting story that lingers long after the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2025
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BOOK THAT IS UNIQUELY DIFFERENT, THIS IS IT.
THIS BOOK INVOLVES ANGELS & HOW THEY COMMINGLE WITH WELL US IN SECRET BUT IN THE OPEN.
I KNOW PRETTY WILD RIGHT?
AND WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DIE?
SURPRISE, YOU GET A JOB. OMG LOL
BUT IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK.
AND THE COMMINGLING OMG WAIT UNTIL YOU READ IT.
HARRY APPLEBOTTOM HAS SUCH A BRILLIANT MIND
I LOVED THIS STORY.
Trace Dial
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THIS BOOK INVOLVES ANGELS & HOW THEY COMMINGLE WITH WELL US IN SECRET BUT IN THE OPEN.
I KNOW PRETTY WILD RIGHT?
AND WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE DIE?
SURPRISE, YOU GET A JOB. OMG LOL
BUT IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK.
AND THE COMMINGLING OMG WAIT UNTIL YOU READ IT.
HARRY APPLEBOTTOM HAS SUCH A BRILLIANT MIND
I LOVED THIS STORY.
Trace Dial
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2025
"The In-Between" by Harry Applebottom is a well written, emotionally charged story. It is hard to believe it is only 120ish pages. It is emotionally heavy even though you know when you start the story that Evan is going to lose his life. The story pulls you along (in a totally good way) and all of the characters are great. The "something" that is between Evan and Zack is sweet and also spicy. I am looking forward to Part 2.
September 8, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked that Evan finds happiness with Zack despite the circumstances. Evan dies and becomes a reaper. He has to learn how to navigate the afterlife but Zack is there to help him. I liked how things are explained to Evan.
September 25, 2025
Evan is pushed by his dad to get a job. The day he gets the job there's a freak accident & he passes. He is joined by Alan a reaper. Alan takes Evan to a diner where he meets other reapers & says his job now is to help others pass over. Zach, also a reaper is given the task to help Evan. A well written, emotional short story on death & helping others. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
I must say this is one of the first books I’ve read where dying is actually a good thing.
This is a story of being lost and then found in the weirdest of places.
Great characters and a good plot drive this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a story of being lost and then found in the weirdest of places.
Great characters and a good plot drive this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
i would love to see more of this pair. this story was equal parts sweet and sad. i really hope this becomes a series. i would definitely read more. i loved it so much. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2025
Well written and composed story. Interesting reality and background that adds to the story. Good characters and relationships among them. And mandatory happy ending.
Another good read from Harry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another good read from Harry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2025
I enjoy this author’s books most are short novella length but the ones I’ve read are all well written, this is no different this is a paranormal romance about Even and Zack and it is an emotional read but one that is well worth reading.
September 11, 2025
I enjoyed the story. The characters are well done and the world building was wonderful. I'm hoping there is a book 2 to continue on with the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 17, 2025
Well Harry did not disappoint at all with this book. For an MM with the paranormal theme I was not sure what to expect but this was top notch and amazing to read. Very well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
How Harry Applebttom is able to make you fall in love and get so invested in his characters when his books are so short deserves and award. This is another banger The In-Between is a 5/5 stars and I cannot wait to read part two!
October 9, 2025
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read his books before but this one was a nice read. I’m not a fan of 2 part books but this one was well done and a great premise.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews